Introduction
New pipelines and the replacement of aging pipelines are supporting growth in urbanization, industrial production, and infrastructure development across the globe. As they play out their role in supporting that growth, the global industrial pipe market is expected to reach an estimated $52.6 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 4.1% from 2024 to 2030. To achieve this, an intricate dance of collaboration between all the players in a complex supply chain must adapt to dynamic market considerations, challenging geopolitical landscapes, and rapid advances in technology.
The Role of Pipe Supply
Supplying pipes, fittings, and accessories entails a wide range of services. The core requirements include stocking and making available a wide range of products across pipes, fittings, and accessories in a variety of materials and production standards. Keeping adequate stocks at key locations is essential for on-time deliveries on complex projects, as well as to mitigate against disruptions in long logistic chains or in support of emergency requirements. However, the role of pipe system supply extends well beyond maintaining large quantities of stocks at key locations. Additional requirements for success include:
Collaboration
Collaboration starts from the early stages of design, and goes through on to feedback on performance for improvements and adjustments. Pipe system suppliers sit in the middle between designers and producers, and play an essential role in channeling information up and down the value stream. This enhances pipe material and standards selection between designers and manufacturers, aligns buyers and sellers with production costs and availability of materials. It also accommodates for logistics and resource bottlenecks.
Technology
With the advent of Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT), technology is enabling the innovative use of smart fittings. Using sensors and connectivity features, real-time monitoring of fluid flow, temperature, and pressure is made possible. Smart pipe fittings contribute to predictive maintenance, reduced downtime, and enhanced efficiency in various industrial applications. This allows for enhanced communication between users and producers, and improves product design while shortening time requirements from production to installation.
Advances in technology are not limited to product and monitoring. They also extend to project management, warehousing, marshaling, and logistics. At every step, a reliable pipe supplier must be on top of technological advancements in order to coordinate efforts of the relevant parties between the stages along the supply chain and across multiple countries, languages, and operating systems.
Support Services
Oil & gas, power and desalination, as well as civil and industrial applications are subject to a wide range of potential sources of disruption. From dealing with corrosive chemicals in challenging environments, to exceptional accidents or fluctuations in temperature or pressure, on-the-ground experience regularly demonstrates the need for quick response to unanticipated circumstances. On-time delivery is not limited to initial project builds and regular maintenance or scheduled overhauls. Critical to the support of these operations is the supplier’s ability to respond with a wide range of unanticipated requirements calling for machining and adapting, installation and testing, as well as coating and treatments. Technical support is a comprehensive and indispensable service that distinguishes a reliable supplier from a stockist.
Experience
Finally, there is no substitute for hard-earned on-the-ground experience. Gerab’s long-standing history and proven track record have earned it the trust of national and international oil companies, as well as regional and international contracting and construction firms with the supply of piping solution requirements for their mega projects in over 60 countries worldwide. This is supported by effective data gathering and information flow, and with the use of Artificial intelligence (AI) tools to maximize the value of data by learning from previous cases and to facilitate decision-making by making the process smarter and more accurate.
To speak to Gerab about supplying your next project, contact us today